Hoeks Metal Fest shut down by police at SXSW

Austin mainstayers Hoeks Death Metal Pizza‘s yearly SXSW metal fest was shut down earlier tonight by the Austin Police Department. The third annual Hoeks Metal Fest was slated to run from Tuesday through Saturday, during the entire duration of the five-day SXSW music festival.

We talked to Hoeks owner Jason Adams a few minutes after the police came and pulled the plug. Jason says the “official” reason given for his shutdown was that Hoeks did not have an active outdoor music permit from the city of Austin to conduct the metal fest.

The kicker?
The city’s music office cashed Jason’s $241 check to renew Hoeks’ permit back on February 28.

However, since the city neglected to send him a paper copy, (and then refused to give it to Jason when he went to their offices in-person the week before SXSW) Hoeks technically was not “permitted” to play live music during SXSW.

This year’s Hoeks Metal Fest was expected to be bigger than ever, with metal publications like MetalSucksand Metal Injectionprominently featuring it in their run-ups to this year’s SXSW metal festivities. But now, it seems like 54 participating bands and their fans may have to look elsewhere for opportunities to enjoy heavy music at SXSW.

I definitely hope there is legal action HP can take. Produce docs showing the cashed check by the City and there should ample legalities to push forward. Hoeks is the shit and has always support local and regional metal (and beyond).

James

As the organizer of the event, I’m a pretty pissed, but more concerned with making sure the show continues…wherever it ends up. Please help us spread the word and stay tuned for more news. Updates will be given as soon as we have them. Thank you all.

rich at 1808

call me about it tomorrow. i’ll see what space i have available for you.
rich elrath 512-731-4584

weasel5i2

Lawsuit!!! Love Hoek’s pizza, btw. Me and my buddies have called the place “Satan’s Pizza” since we were kids!!

Randall Johnson

So they cashed his check, then didn’t send him the necessary permit (and refused to give it to him in person, which is probably illegal), and now they say he never did it, basically? I’d sue the city somehow. That’s a major event, and the city cancelled it. They stole his money. I’ve been to Hoek’s before, and I’d go back if I lived in Austin. A shame this happened.

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